11 "Faux Pas" Which Are Actually Okay To Make With Your French Driving License
How to Get a French Driving License
If you're an expat and has recently moved to France and is in need of to obtain a French driving license. To obtain one, you'll need pass both a theory and practical driving test. The best way to pass this is to go to an instructor at a driving school. They will handle the paperwork for you and book the test.
Valid for 3 years
The French driving licence is valid for a period of three years after the date of the date of issue. The French driving licence is a pink credit card-sized paper with the name of the person who holds it, their photo as well as date of birth and driving rights printed on it. The French driving license can also include a number restrictions and conditions. These may include driving while under the influence.
The prefecture (or the area) issues the French driving license. Licenses have to be renewed every 15 years and are able to be used in any EU country, as well as Norway, Iceland, and Liechtenstein. Certain special categories of license are valid for only five years, like the ones for heavy vehicles and passenger transport vehicles. You can apply to renew a standard French driving license in your country of origin, or in France. You must be able to pass a written and an practical test to be eligible for the renewal.
If you're an American citizen, you may be able exchange your US license to one that is a French one without taking any tests. suspension du permis de conduire et permis retiré is only available to Americans who have resided in France more than one year and have a carte de sejour. The process usually takes one year to complete. You must have your passport or other official documents of identification with you. The process could take anywhere from six to a year, so it's best to start the process early.
Only those who are 18 years old and have not lost their driving privileges in the country of origin are eligible to obtain a French licence. You will require a medical certification and a third-party liability policy, along with 30 hours of education at an auto ecole. These schools are found throughout Toulouse and provide French lessons and practice tests. If you're looking to pass the French test it's a good idea to take an additional course of basic French classes.
You can check your points balance on the Ministry of Interior website or via a letter from the prefecture with reference 48N or 48M. You can get back points you have lost for a violation by following the directions on the website. The name on the French driving license is the same as that of the person who holds it at birth. Women who are married can use their maiden names on their licences in the event that they would like.
It is a 12 point score
You need to have a French license to drive in France. To get one, you must pass the driving theory test as well as an actual test. You also must pass a medical examination. The test for theory comprises 40 multiple-choice questions. The practical test consists of driving skills and road safety rules. You may be required to pass an examination in writing, based on your age. Then, you will need to have a minimum of 20 hours of accompanied driving with an instructor.
After passing the theory and the practical driving test, you'll receive your license in three months. The licence is valid for 15 years and must be displayed while driving. In addition to the points, the licence must also include an image of the driver as well as the date of the issue. If you lose points they are deducted from your driving license, and when you lose 12 points, your license is suspended for a period of at least six months.
You can take a course to recover the points that were lost on your licence. These courses, called stages de recuperation des points du licence, are offered by approved centers and cost around EUR200 for two days. You are only able to recover up to four points per year. You can also regain points that you have lost by avoiding further traffic offenses for a minimum of two or three years.
It is important to remember that you will not be able to drive with your foreign license after one year of residency in France unless you are a student or a diplomat. Even if you've passed the French driving test, you must change your license to a French one if you'll reside in the country for more than a year.
It is crucial to understand that driving laws are extremely strict in France. For example, the BAC limit is lower than in the United States, and police set up random sobriety checkpoints. Drivers must also wear headlights while driving at night and use them in emergency situations or construction zones. They must also wear them when it is snowing or raining. It is crucial to know the local rules as they vary from region to region.
It can be exchanged for a French license
If you're an American citizen and possess a valid driver's license issued by the state of Connecticut, Illinois, Iowa, Michigan, Minnesota, New Jersey, North Carolina, or Wisconsin, you can legally drive in France for a period of one year without having to pass an French driving test. However, if you have an accident while driving with this kind of license and are held accountable for the crash your insurance company may reject your claim. To avoid this, exchange your license to a French driver's license once you arrive in France.
You can transfer your license by contacting your local Prefecture de Police (or Mairie). Ask for the demande d'echange de permis de conduire form. The procedure varies from one region to another. It is important to check with the sub-prefecture prior travel. You'll also need a French translation of your license that can be obtained at the embassy or by a sworn translator.
The application must include an acknowledgement that you've been resident of France for six months or more. This can be proved by a tax notice or French health certificate. You should also present evidence of your identity like the passport, or a photo of identification. The photos must conform to the format of French ID cards. This differs from American passport photos. The application is submitted to ANTS the agency that issues French drivers licenses. The license could take as long as several months to be issued.
Once you've successfully completed the exchange, you'll need to go through a probationary period before your French license becomes permanent. You'll also have to be able to pass a theory and a practical test, referred to as an "auto ecole" or ETG. For those with disabilities or health issues may need to pass extra tests.
While you may study and prepare for the test on your own, it's usually better to go to a school that can prepare you in French and will take care of all the documents. Some schools will give you some driving hours prior to the test.
It is issued by ANTS
If you've just relocated to France, having a French driving license is a must to have. France has a reciprocal arrangement with most countries in the world, so it's fairly simple to exchange your license to one. You can apply online, but you'll need supporting documents, such as a valid passport and residence card, or any other proof of identity.
You can also obtain a French driver's licence by taking the behind-the-wheel test and passing it. After passing the test, you can download your driver's license certificate (CEPC). This number is required for ordering a physical license.
Be sure to possess a valid license as well as a recent medical examination before you drive on French roads. The ANTS website has a list of approved hospitals and doctors. You can also call your GP for an appointment.
After you've passed the behind-the wheel test After passing the test, you can apply for a physical license by visiting the ANTS website. Log into your ANTS Account and select "Je want to signal an error regarding my driver's license il y a less than six months." Fill out the required information and upload any supporting documents, then submit your application.
The time frame for processing your application will range from 2 and 45 working days. You can drive with a temporary license issued to you by your prefecture. The cost of the permit varies from region area. You can also purchase a insurance policy for driving that will protect you in the event of an accident.

If you're a new driver, it's best to take lessons at a driving school to avoid any issues in the future. The driving school should have a list of instructors who are qualified. Ask about their prices and whether they have English-speaking instructors.
You can also request an French driving license from your local prefecture or Mairie. You'll need your current driving license and proof of residency. Certain sub-prefectures do not allow license exchanges, so it's important to verify this before you go. Check the deadlines for submission when you need to visit the prefecture.